I agree the furling system is far better for single-handed sailing. I use a Hooter, which is little less full than a spinnaker. It furls very easy.
However, when it is blowing hard, you have to head down and blanket the area of tfe sail, just like doing a standard spinnaker take down, and then let the sheet loose and furl quickly.
Never had a problem doing that.
Going into the wind will not work on windy days. You will get the bottom to work well but the top may go open.
This means when approaching the leeward mark, head down about 20 or 30 degrees, let off the sheet and furl. ANother good reason for the using the 1:2 system -- it does it fast.

Another great thing about the Hooter is that it will go to weather in light air, and does just as good of a job downwind as a fuller sail.
Rick